Meet Sharon Steel | Illustrator & Art Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharon Steel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharon, what inspires you?
I am inspired by nature and all of the flora and fauna it encompasses. From the beauty of the wildflowers to the towering pines and aspen leaves. My favorite is on a mountain hike, when the tree coverage gets thick, then you can’t help but imagine life as a woodland creature and the conversations you would have with your little critter friends. Eventually it feels like you have been transported into a different world where fairy rings and dryads seem like possibilities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an Illustrator I create digital illustrations on my iPad intended for commercial use. The art I make is licensed to manufacturers who take the art and use it to produce products for sale in stores. I’ll design a collection of 3-8 artworks covering a central theme, creating a compilation of illustrated scenes, lettering, and patterns. For instance I am currently working on a Back-to-School collection that is targeted for products in the middle school age range. A few patterns to go on backpacks or lunchboxes, inspirational hand lettered quotes to go on journals or posters, and then a set of motivational stickers for students. The art I create is in a file that can be manipulated and repurposed for multiple applications and color ways, depending on the different types of products the company makes.

My artwork has a vivid and lively style, as I have a tendency to work in vibrant colors and I have a distinctive hand which is heavy with mark making. With lots of layered texture and colors, I aim to to create a mixture of shaded realism and simplified character with a stylized layer of graphic finishing. My work style is suitable for all age ranges and is versatile in that it can be utilized in a variety of applications.

This is the work that I make when given the leash to just create without restriction. I want to make art that finds itself integrated into the lives of people. As the print on an umbrella protecting you from a rainy day or as funny socks you open on your birthday. I want my art to be worn as the fabric of dresses or participate in your family traditions by existing as the print on the wrapping paper under your tree at Christmas.

That is my artwork as a professional commercial illustrator. Now, my graphic design artwork is similar yet different. My innate sense of color, composition and typography come from 15 years of experience developing my craft and working with a wide range of clients from non-profit to high-profile. I thrive in this work that is driven by restrictions and art that is created for a client via the designer by proxy. This work tends to be vector based and is usually typographically driven. Created to convey a message to the audience or make a brand stand out in their respective industries. As an Art Director I develop and elevate brands with fresh design work and graphics with impact. An average day for me will include working on a branding package, a magazine publication, and some event collateral. Perhaps some social graphics or animations, but I am primarily print focused when it comes to graphic design work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them to Snooze for breakfast at some point and afterwards we would walk through the Old Town shops and browse. Later we would go on a bike ride on the Spring Creek Trail or Poudre River Trail. The next day would be a brewery hop to all our favorite craft beer spots. At some point I would take them to Horsetooth Reservoir and hike the area while my son rode the BMX track there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Since 2012 I have had the pleasure of working with Denise Glass of Sensory 5, a marketing and design agency. Graphic design is my bread and butter and I love helping businesses develop and transform their brands into memorable experiences. Every day is a new design adventure for radically different projects thanks to her remarkable ability to bring exciting clients to the table. The projects we work on daily never fail to challenge and push me to improve my craft. Agency experience has granted me the opportunity to explore a wide range of branding styles, and that practiced knowledge led me to develop my own personal style of illustration. This has developed into a deep passion for illustration. After work hours I would often find myself jumping into my most recent drawing. When I woke up in the morning I wanted to continue drawing before even getting ready for the next day, and I also wanted to develop this ability further.

I’m a student for life who constantly seeks learning opportunities, so I regularly take online Skillshare courses to improve my craft. One of the instructors, Kristina Hulkrantz, has been especially influential educator and has opened my eyes to the industry of Surface Pattern Design and art licensing. I joined her Collection Club on Patreon and each month we receive group support as we develop full professional collections that are ready pitch to manufacturers. Her guidance and mentorship was the driving force behind setting up my own business Sharon Fruit Design.

My husband has been the most supportive and incredible partner throughout this entire journey. Especially when I made the move to invest in myself and my illustrations by taking the plunge and hiring a creative business coach, Logan Elliot of Flammable Entrepreneur. During my time in the intensive business coaching program, Chris took over the majority of the house chores and handles the cooking (he’s a chef) and cleaning. A couple months into the program I was diagnosed with Stage IIB Cervcial Cancer and had to begin a treatment plan. While I am now in full recovery, the experience has been a whirlwind of emotions. Chris has been an amazing partner and father to our 9 year old son as he helped me to juggle everything at once. He has been the glue holding everything together and his strength has been such an inspiration to me.

Website: http://sharonfruit.design

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sharonfruitdesign/

Other: Art Director website: http://steelcreativedesign.com